With all of the talk about Electronic Medical Records (or Electronic Health Records) the common practice may become very confused about what to do.  Should they wait until a common format is released, or should they move ahead and purchase in order to receive a tax credit before the year ends?

With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, qualified professionals (physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and some chiropractors) can realize up to $44,000 in Medicare incentives (or $63,750 through Medicaid) through “meaningful adoption” of a certified electronic medical records software system. The EMR software stimulus is a substantial incentive to adopt your new EMR in 2009-2010 in order to demonstrate meaningful use of your EMR and lock in your EMR incentive payments.

The key to choosing an EMR is first and foremost going to rely on the support and development potential of who you choose to partner with.  Having a company that can support your Practice Management System (which includes EMR) and assist you to truly realize the gains that are offered by it is crucial to your success.  The common problem that we have found is simply that there is not local support in this area (Stockton, Tracy, Modesto and surrounding areas) and so many companies are not utilizing the true power of these systems if utilizing them at all.

BOSS has recently been working with Mac Practice in order to offer an affordable yet very powerful solution. We have seen quite a few practice management systems demonstrated and this is by far the most powerful and simple system to use.  The key for our clients has been the ability to adapt the exact same forms, fee slips, etc. that they are using in their current paper charts and mirror these in the EMR environment.  This feature decreases the learning curve substantially.  And while we recommend that they switch to a Mac environment in order to drive down their IT costs as well as improve the simplicity, this software will work on the PC as well.  In almost every case this practice management software is 50% less if not more than other software being considered from other vendors.  And combined with our ability to locally support practices from IT to set-up this is a very attractive offering.

Mac Practice can develop their software much faster than the majority of the PC based software on the market due to the fact that they are programing for a common controlled platform.  There is only 1 company that makes the Mac, and with this, they only have to write their software for one system.  With the PC world there a more variables in programming simply because of the vastness of platforms (various brands) available all using different brand hardware.  While the major players in the practice management software development world will turn revisions out to adapt to the new common criteria once it is released, Mac Practice will as well.  The difference in Mac Practice and these major players is mainly price and not robustness.

With interface capabilities to the iphone or ipod touch for doctors to view their schedules, view patient contact info, tap to email patient, tap to call patient, create new patients, post charges, view daily reports, view referring doctors, create new reminders, view patient Rx history, to name a few, further enhances the depth of this product.  If you have seen the ads for Mac Vs. PC on television, this concept is carried across to the Mac Practice software in the user experience.

BOSS is very happy to be working with Mac Practice in order to bring this powerful solution to the area.  We can set-up demonstrations directly from Mac Practice for those that are interested in finding out more.

The San Joaquin AIDS Foundation will be hosting an event for World AIDS Day tomorrow at the University of the Pacific – Morris Chapel from 6:30 to 9 PM.  So come out with your red ribbons and show your support for a good cause.

Jose Calderon could learn from other point guards that don't play D. Teach him, Steve.

Ah yes, home court. After a disaster of a two-game road trip, the Raps are home this afternoon to face Kid Slovenia (that’s Goran Dragic, for the record) and the Suns at the friendly confines of Air Canada Centre. I’m on my way out to see this one and don’t have much time, so I’ll refer you to the greats at Raptors Republic for your full gameday preview.

As for me, this will be my first time checking out Steve Nash live, which I’m hoping will be as exciting as the first time I saw John Stockton and Karl Malone in the flesh in ‘97. I’m hoping for a wild one and a Raptor win.

But after midterm, you gave it away.  Next semester, to save me from tears, I’ll give it someone special.

God, I hate Christmas music.  We’ve already started with the damn carols at Casel’s, and I’m already ready to get my iPod out.

Anyway, I finally gave my medical records to Stoco…  Which meant that, at last, I could register for classes, which I did today with zeal.  As a result, I don’t have a class before 8:30.  WOOOHOOO!!!  I also spread most of my classes out, so no more MWF only.  It’s amazing, I’m just so pleased with myself.  I cannot wait to take Arthurian Literature, haha.

I guess more on that later… IDK.  Stressy atm, learning my lines for my scripted scene and, you know, boy stuff.  Boys are extra stressy.  I guess some things just never change.

Stockton Civic Theatre Presents a musical written by the team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

Beginning Wednesday, November 18, and running through Sunday, December 13, Stockton Civic Theatre will present JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, an international stage phenomenon with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. As the theater’s holiday offering, the show will feature popular actor and choreographer James Reed’s debut as a Director. Musical Direction will be by Jim Coleman.

Originally produced in 1968 as a 20 minute oratorio performed by children at a private school in London, an expanded version of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT followed as a record album and was subsequently performed as a full-scale production in London in 1973. Joseph was first performed in the United States in 1976 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize. Set to a cornucopia of musical styles, this Old Testament tale emerges as both timely and timeless.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT will feature a special $15 per seat preview on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. A reception for opening night patrons will be held at the theatre on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres hosted by Kinder’s Meats, Deli & BBQ. Performances continue through December 13 on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $15 for students and children 12 and under. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is truly a wonderful holiday family show, rated “G” for all audiences and all ages.

November 18th – December 13th, Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Ln., Tickets available on www.estockton.com , 209.473-2400.

From the Caravan

Jamie Lee Curtis (born November 22, 1958) is an American actress. Although she was initially known as a “scream queen” because of her starring roles in many horror films early in her career such as Halloween, The Fog, Prom Night and Terror Train, Curtis has since compiled a body of work that covers many genres. Her 1998 book, Today I Feel Silly, and Other Moods That Make My Day, made the best-seller list in The New York Times. She is married to actor Christopher Guest (Lord Haden-Guest) and, as the wife of a lord, is titled Lady Haden-Guest, but she chooses not to use the title when in the United States. She is currently the spokeswoman for Activia. She is also a blogger for The Huffington Post online newspaper.

Trivia:

During the 1980s she was engaged to Hollywood production designer J. Michael Riva, the grandson of screen legend Marlene Dietrich. Her godfather was MCA-Universal CEO Lew Wasserman.

Saw her future husband Christopher Guest in the issue of Rolling Stone magazine with Cyndi Lauper on the cover. Guest appeared in a promotional photo for the film This Is Spinal Tap (1984) in full costume and makeup as a rock star. She fell in love at first sight of the photo and gave her telephone number to his agent.

Adopted two children with Christopher Guest: Annie Guest (b. December 1986) and Thomas (b. March 1996).

Daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

Became formally known as Baroness Haden-Guest of Saling in the County of Essex (or, less formally, Lady Haden-Guest), when her husband, Christopher, inherited the barony in 1996 on the death of his father.

Graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall private school in 1976.

It was on her suggestion that Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) was made.

Her deleted scene from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) is included on the MGM Special Edition DVD, 2001, as the “Alternate Opening”.

Was asked to cameo in Scream 3 (2000), but declined.

Won a 2003 Grammy nomination in the Best Spoken Album for Children category for her recording of the children’s books she has written.

Measurements: 34C-22-32 (wardrobe on Forever Young (1992)) (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

Attended University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

When making reservations in exclusive London restaurants at short notice, she gives her name as Lady Haden-Guest, which apparently works better than Jamie Lee Curtis.

She told a German magazine that she will retire from making movies and that Christmas with the Kranks (2004) will be her last work as an actress. (November 2004)

Said in an interview on Good Entertainment, with Michael Medved (2001) (TV) that, ironically, horror films terrify her and she prefers not to watch them.

Member of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992

Was one of the guests at Sandra Bullock’s and Jesse James’ wedding.

Godmother of Jake Gyllenhaal.

Two of her earliest roles make reference to roles played by her father. She appeared in the television series “Operation Petticoat” (1977), based on the movie that had starred her father, Tony Curtis. While on hiatus from that show, she was cast in Halloween (1978), in which the detective “Sam Loomis” was named after a character from Psycho (1960), which had starred her mother, Janet Leigh. Also, her father imitated Cary Grant’s voice for his role in Some Like It Hot (1959), and worked with Grant himself in Operation Petticoat (1959). Grant’s birth name, Archie Leach, was used as the name for John Cleese’s character in A Fish Called Wanda (1988).

Once said that Dan Aykroyd was the best on-screen kisser she ever worked with.

John Cleese found it amusing that her father, Tony Curtis’s real name was Bernard Schwartz. To tease her about this, during the production of A Fish Called Wanda (1988), he had the call sheets refer to her as “Jamie Lee Schwartz.”.

Around the time True Lies (1994) was released, Jamie appeared in a series of commercials for L’Eggs Pantyhose. The company also took out an insurance policy for her legs.

Amazon Specials!

Harbour of Newcastle Shewing the Proposed Extension of the Northern Pier by E.O. Moriarty, Civil Engineer. 1858

Thank you to Mr Rod Caldwell who kindly arranged for his personal copy to be digitised and provided for us to publish to the wider research community.

The full report can be accessed in a number of formats:

Legislative Assembly. New South Wales. Breakwater at Stockton. (Report of Mr. Moriarty Upon Advisability of.) Ordered by the Legislative Assembly to be Printed, 27 April 1858. [5.9 MB PDF File] With Moriarty’s Plan of the Harbour of Newcastle Shewing the Proposed Extension of the Northern Pier.

Moriarty, E.O. Harbour of Newcastle Shewing the Proposed Extension of the Northern Pier. 1858. Full Plan Only [4.9 MB PDF File]

On Flickr – Breakwater at Stockton – Moriarty Plan 1858

Frank Stockton is the kind of artist that your grandmother would scoff at all while telling you about some painter called Whistler. Nope, Frank Stockton is more than an artist, he’s an illustrator, so by default, more storyteller than engineer. Scope an abundance of Stockton illustrations on his site. The three illustrations in this post are part of a series called “Live Tonight” and were featured in the June 2008 Penthouse issue. For the local cats, you can grab prints of these at the Nucleus Art Gallery in Alhambra, or on their website.

]]> http://rfisher305.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/docrecord-dynamic-electronic-document-management/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:13:00 +0000 Russell http://rfisher305.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/docrecord-dynamic-electronic-document-management/

How DocRecord Works

BOSS has been very busy installing Prism DocRecord in many of our customers offices.  The power of this software in its document management capabilities as well as the ability to computerize various paper workflows within your organization is amazing.  In many applications we have saved thousands of dollars per month in labor intensive workflows by turning them into 100% computerized workflows.  Stay tuned for our case study videos which will highlight key installs of this powerful software.  Below is a brief explanation of this system and how it works from the Prism web site.

Capture Information

DocRecord captures information from across your organization seamlessly and lets you take control of your documents. Document imaging is made easy with DocRecord Imaging that captures scanned documents and uses OCR to extract a copy of the text for indexing and storage. Improve image management with mark-up, annotation, and image enhancement.

DocRecord manages information from a variety of sources across an organization’s network. Easily watch network folders, watch queues, and integrate with other enterprise applications. With DocRecord, it’s even possible for users to drag-and-drop files from their desktop into the system.

Categorize and Index Information

DocRecord sorts files into categories based on the attributes of the documents. DocRecord users determine which attributes are important fields to set up indexes on for their documents. This is usually based on their business scenario and who will be using the system.

Categories and indexes are completely customized and there is no limit on the number you can have in the system. These are important because they are the basis for searching for the documents after the files are committed to the system.

Organize Information

DocRecord organizes files by presenting all documents in a series of folders. Documents can be grouped together in folders based on projects, work processes, or document type to streamline business processes. Users define folders that best fit their business operations and expedite document retrieval.

A Work In Process area is another tool to help organize documents. This area is used to stage documents and assign them to the appropriate folders when they are first introduced into the DocRecord system.

Search and Retrieval

DocRecord offers multiple search options including keywords, index fields, or through the folder tree. Searches can be run from a user’s desktop or submitted via the web interface. Users can even save frequent searches, so they don’t have to re-enter them each time they use the system.

DocRecord retrieves documents at the click of a button. Users can review the document onscreen and then take the needed action such as printing, faxing, or emailing the document. Users even have the option to view over 200 file types in their native formats, which is helpful when they don’t have the necessary software application for the file they are interested in viewing.

Document Workflow

Use the DocRecord workflow module, DocWorkflow, to reduce operational costs and automate document processes. Accelerate key business processes such as account processing, new business, document routing & approval, and report distribution. Easy for business line workers to use and fast for process owners to graphically design workflows, DocWorkflow is a powerful, cost saving tool.

Information Storage

DocRecord provides storage management for your digital documents. All records are efficiently stored only once, and through DocRecord’s document reference system can be used repeatedly without having to produce or store multiple copies. By having your documents stored digitally, disaster recovery readiness is facilitated by being able to produce back-up CD’s that are stored offsite.

A couple months ago Mike and I were in West Hollywood and had a chance to meet a wonderful man by the name of Terry Mason who also happens to be the author of a new book, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent. Touching on coming out, relationships and civil rights this collection of writings, short stories, and poems is a fresh look at gay life from an African-American perspective. So go check out his website and let him know Queer Stockton sent ya!

Hello, and happy, happy Friday! I hope you all are looking forward to a nice and relaxing (and hopefully rainy?) weekend, as I definitely am.

One thing I like to do on the weekends is stroll through the local flea market. The one at Delta College is not huge, but it’s clean and you can find some good stuff, like pomegranates and pink flamingos. Here are some photos. It’s the first time I’ve photographed this market; for some reason I always feel weird photographing here. Do you guys get that sometimes?

Last week I was completely obsessed with idea of buying more Thermoses after seeing this collection belonging to Elsie*Cake. So I went into the weekend planning to find some. I found a whole bunch at the market, but decided they’ll have to wait to go home with me until I have a little more space for them.

And, drum roll, please: I walked away with these $1 pink flamingos. Oh so happy!

Have a great weekend, and splurge on something used!

So, I’ve been super-de-duperdy busy o-o  I hate college.

I can’t register for classes yet, because my school does not have my immunization records =[  That’s fine, I just need to get that into them.  And soon!  I would really like to register and get all my classes!

Anyway, today I had work.  I have realized that I am quite weird at work.  I tend to dance around happily, especially once I am given a cookie.  It is a happy, happy dance that I do.  The dancing has especially picked up since we began playing the fun 70s station at work; this is likely because on said station I have heard Blue Oyster Cult, KISS, Styx, Neil Young, David Bowie AND the Imperial March.  From Star Wars.  With lasers.

YES.  <3

In other news, for my scripted scene in Intro to Acting, I’m playing Stella from A Streetcar Named Desire.  And Shawn, a classmate, is playing Stanley.  Oh, what fun this’ll be.  If I can pick out a good enough scene!!

And, finally, this weekend, I’m going up to Rutgers. WOOOOOO.

Hello Queer Stockton!

First of all, I just wanted to say that on behalf of the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County, I am so honored and ecstatic to be reaching out to the LGBT community concerning domestic violence and sexual assault issues.  My name is Monique, and I am a Sexual Assault Prevention Specialist for the Women’s Center.  For my first blog, I just wanted to give you a little history about the Women’s Center and the services we offer.

The Women’s Center of San Joaquin County is a non-profit organization (that means all of our services are for FREE) that was first established in 1976.  I do not want all of you to be fooled by the name “Women’s Center”, however, because in 1978, we saw our first male victim walk through our doors.

With that said, on to our services!  The Center’s primary mission as far as our services go is to provide a wide range of supportive, educational and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  The services are as follows:

• 24-hour sexual assault and domestic violence crisis helplines: DV (209) 465-4878; SA (209) 465-4997.
• Individual Peer Counseling by a certified domestic violence and sexual assault counselor in English, Spanish, South Asian and Southeast Asian languages.
• Support groups for battered women, sexual assault survivors, Adults Molested as Children, developmentally disabled victims, and teen victims of sexual assault.
• Our advocacy and accompaniment services include: 24-hour hospital response, accompaniment to law enforcement agencies and court hearings, temporary restraining order assistance, legal and justice system information, and information and referrals to other agencies.
• Women’s Center shelters are safe havens for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.  We have two shelters at undisclosed locations in Stockton and Tracy, respectively.  Our shelters are for women and children only, however, we will put men in need of fleeing dangerous situations in motel/hotel rooms.
• The Prevention Education program provides sexual assault prevention education and teen dating violence education to people of all ages throughout San Joaquin County.  For more details or to schedule a presentation at your school, job or community organization, please contact (209) 941-2611.

I know this is a lot of information, but I just wanted to let you all know what the Women’s Center is all about and that we are here to serve you!  I look forward to all of your comments and future blogging.  Until next time, Queer Stockton!

Lots of Love,

Monique

Color Multifunctional Printers and Monochrome Digital Presses Recognized for Outstanding Design

Ramsey, N.J. – October 29, 2009 - Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced that the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO), the organization involved in the comprehensive global promotion of design, has awarded four 2009 Good Design Awards to the Konica Minolta Technology Center in the Network/Business and Public Sector Computers, Peripherals Category, including:
•  bizhub® C652/C552/C452 Series and bizhub C360/C280/C220 Series of color multifunctional printers (MFPs – print, copy, fax, scan all-in-one system)
•  bizhub PRO® 1200/1200P/1051 Series of monochrome digital presses

Based in Tokyo, the Konica Minolta Technology Center actively develops unique and cutting-edge technologies that will expand the world of imaging, on the basis of proprietary materials, optical, nano-fabrication and imaging technologies.  Phosphorescent materials and OLED devices are examples of the notable development activities underway with potential for use in various applications.  Konica Minolta’s core technologies are being applied in the development of many next-generation display components and ubiquitous imaging equipment.

JIDPO receives approximately 3,000 submissions from more than 1,000 companies and designers every year for the Good Design Awards and selects those that demonstrate only the most distinguished quality and design integrity.  Submissions are screened by nearly 70 design experts, who select those designs that help build prosperous lives and encourage sound industrial development as part of a campaign to brighten and enrich society through design.

“Earning recognition for our award-winning lines of color MFPs and monochrome digital presses highlights our leadership as a global technology innovator,” said Kevin Kern, Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.  “This worldwide acknowledgment represents our continued commitment to a broad customer base and to providing the necessary means for customers to count on Konica Minolta for ongoing innovation and design quality.”

Offering streamlined jobs, cost effectiveness and enhanced security features, the bizhub C652/C552/C452 Series and bizhub C360/C280/C220 Series of color MFPs were selected based on several design features including the liquid-crystal operating panel.  The bizhub PRO 1200/1200P/1051 Series of monochrome digital presses demonstrated unique design features such as the smooth lines of exterior covers that expressed a clear-cut concept with almost no design limitations.

For more information on the Good Design Awards, please visit www.g-mark.org/english.

About Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop.  For the second consecutive year, Konica Minolta was recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys.  For more information, please visit www.CountOnKonicaMinolta.us.

About the Good Design Awards
Founded in 1957, the Good Design Awards (generally known as the “G-Mark system”) is Japan’s only comprehensive design evaluation and commendation system.  Having built a foundation to nurture Japan’s industry and design, the Good Design Awards now accepts submissions from around the world and has earned a reputation for being a prestigious trademark for outstanding design and quality.  Good Design Awards have been presented to 34,000 products to date.  For more information, please visit www.g-mark.org/english/archive/2009/outline.html.

I did the ghost hunt with Joe & his family. We had fun, and some stuff happended like batteries soon as I set a camera down, they died within 5 minutes. Versus here they run for 1/2 hour +. Far as stuff on audio or video, nothing yet. Here is some pictures of my setup, this was in Joe’s backyard.

“Loose lips sink ships.”

Isn’t that the truth?  There is much to be said for keeping your big trap shut.  Some people’s problem is simply this:  They talk too damn much!  Learning to keep some thing private, or to yourself, is golden.  Nothing wrecks plans or opportunities like gossip and a big mouth.  Shut up.  Be quiet.  Have some patience and be slow to speak.  There’s wisdome here, if you can hear it, and understand. 

Konica Minolta Boosts Productivity for small – to mid-sized businesses and workgroups

Newest office systems in award-winning product line meet needs of sophisticated color users and those transitioning from black & white environments

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today launched the next wave of color multifunctional printers (MFPs – print, copy, fax, scan all-in-one system) in the award-winning bizhub® product line.

These new color systems, which include the bizhub C452, bizhub C280 and bizhub C220, are designed to meet the diverse needs of small- to mid-sized office workgroups, both for color as well as black and white environments, from end-users needing only occasional color or have graphic output requirements to those that mainly generate monochrome output.  They can handle a heavy workload with their robust and efficient productivity features, and offer the same functionality and features at different speeds, ranging from 45 pages per minute (ppm) to 22 ppm.

Contact BOSS for a demonstration today.

______________________

BOSS Analysis Process

BOSS follows these simple steps to asses your needs:

1. Who we are.

In your first meeting with BOSS your consultant will establish who we are and answer any questions you may have about our relationship with your company.

2.  Inspection.

A qualified BOSS consultant will work with you to identify with you areas where our office technologies can assist your company to become more efficient.  The consultant will have you walk them through each workflow so that they can fully understand its importance to your organization.

3.  Education

Once the BOSS consultant has a thorough understanding of your workflows and systems, you will be contacted for an additional appointment.  In this step we will fully educate you on what was found and what can be done to solve each specific problem.  We will literally show you exactly how we will handle each issue that has been identified.

4.  Understanding

The BOSS consultant will make sure that you fully understand everything above so that no more questions remain about what was discovered.  In the unlikely event that anything was missed, we will ensure you fully get your questions answered.

____________________

BOSS offers – Optimized print services

One-Stop Solution to save money, manage printing and speed workflow

Most companies lose revenue due to serious inefficiencies in their use and deployment of print output devices – and in today’s competitive environment, every cost-savings is essential.

The Solution: Optimized Print Services.

Optimized Print Services is a comprehensive Konica Minolta program that helps you understand and optimize your MFP and desktop printer environment.

It begins with an overall assessment of how your current printers function, providing the necessary data to create a cost analysis – and can be customized to include floor planning, device right-sizing, automated service and supply notifications, and the responsible recycling of used toner cartridges. Optimized Print Services can offer the following benefits:

• Consolidating costs of supplies, service and support – typically showing an aggregate savings of 20%, on average.

• Strategizing your deployment of MFPs and desktop printers to ensure a more efficient operation.

• Consolidating your network strategy for improvements in productivity and lower costs.

• Implementing the latest workflow-related solutions, resulting in an increase in work efficiency as well as reduced costs.

• Reducing energy costs of underutilized devices and recycling toner cartridges to protect the environment.

How much can you save?

A recent survey from IDC concluded that implementing a managed print services program would result in the following savings:

• 23% average overall cost savings

• 40% reduction in IT help desk calls

• 25% cost reduction in consumables

• 20% cost reduction in unscheduled maintenance

• 10% cost reduction in installation and upgrades

• 5% cost reduction in acquisition

You can also download the event map here.

Electric Vehicles International opened up their new manufacturing facility in Stockton, CA yesterday.  EVI will design and assemble zero-emission, all-electric, medium-duty delivery vehicles and light-duty vehicles using EVI electric motors and controllers made at the location.  The Stockton location will also serve as the company’s world headquarters, previously located in Mexico.  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in the opening ceremonies.

The medium-duty vehicles are being produced in partnership with Freightliner Custom Chassis and EVI plans to ship 1,000 of the all-electric trucks in 2010.  The vehicles will cost $120,000 to $180,000 and have ranges of 60, 80 and 115 miles depending on the size of the lithium-ion battery pack chosen. The company also plans to enter the plug-in hybrid business, and possibly perform electric conversions of school buses and port equipment as well.  Learn more:  Collisionconcierge.com

Today is Wednesday.  This is an immensely important day in the grand scheme of my week.

First and foremost, today I usually have classes, but in actuality, I don’t today.  It was preceptorial advising (biggest waste of my time, btw).  So… today is, quite literally, my first actual DAY OFF since… Jesus Christ, IDK.  Summer!  I haven’t had any free days to myself in forever, where I wasn’t already doing something, or going some place.  Today could’ve been a day to sleep in, too…  But I was up at 7, as to be expected, because I had a visitor.  A very weird visitor, who likes kitties a little too much, but a visitor nevertheless.

Anyway… we’re waiting for the rest of our crew to finish with their meetings.  Apparently, having extra credits makes life easier.  I get to register a whole day before everyone else woooooo!

I suppose now I should explain the Wednesday tradition.  Every Wednesday, Jess, Edwin and Carlos sleep over my house.  Because we originally started this because of Glee, we affectionately refer to Wednesdays as Glee Night. It is now a tradition at my house, to pull out the sofa bed and eat Chinese food and watch TV.  All friends are welcome–last week, Jess brought her friend Laur, and Los brought his friend Shane.  It’s always a lot of fun =]

Glee is on a brief hiatus because of the stupid World Series.  Sooo… tonight, we’re going to buy the soundtrack (at TARGET!!  we want the Jayma Mays song), to keep the spirit going.  Then… We’re going to construct the Chamber of Secrets.  I’ll update later!

There’s not much that would interrupt my Grandad from enjoying a great meal – but this was one of those occasions!

At an annual silent auction dinner in Stockton, courtesy of my parents who sponsored some tables + celebrating my Grandmother’s birthday – my Grandmother had the honor of approx 300 people putting down their forks to sing her ‘happy birthday’.  What a memory for her….and for us!

The food was good, entertainment fun, and one of the few events where I could relax with my fam and enjoy not working the gig~

guava

Last week gay marriage went down in defeat in Maine, 53% to 47%.  I was expecting to feel the same heart rending loss that occurred after the passage of Proposition 8 here in California… Yet I didn’t. This was something on the order of the 33rd straight loss for gay marriage at the ballot box and I think I’ve finally become immune to the impact. There’s no longer shock or dismay when I hear gay rights have lost – merely a weary acceptance of the fact that though we as a society and a community have come so far over the past thirty years we still have far to go.